Cruz introduces broad “Energy Renaissance” bill

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a sweeping energy bill Thursday which he said will help usher in a “Great American Energy Renaissance.” Cruz’s bill, S. 2170, was introduced soon after companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Oklahoma).

The wide-ranging legislation would remove federal oversight of energy practices such as hydraulic fracturing, pushing regulation to the states. “The American Energy Renaissance cannot thrive if the federal government … impedes the jobs and economic growth hydraulic fracturing is already providing,” Cruz said in a statement.

The bill, a laundry list of provisions sought by energy industries, also would:

– Open up the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve to oil development, and expand energy development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska;

– Exclude greenhouse gases from regulation by the EPA and other federal agencies;

– Stop EPA regulations that will adversely impact coal and electric power plants;

– Immediately approve and allow the private sector to build the Keystone XL Pipeline, and remove barriers to developing other pipelines and cross-border energy infrastructure;

– Streamline the approval process for upgrading refineries, and building new ones;

– And direct all additional revenues from drilling and exploration on federal lands exclusively to national debt reduction.

Bridenstine’s bill also has specific language in it preventing any Environmental Protection Agency policy, rules or regulations from being passed which would have a negative impact on employment unless they are approved by Congress and signed by the President.

Bridenstine said, “Our bill frees up the private sector and gets the government out of the way.”

Cruz said the bills are critical for American progress because “the energy revolution that is already underway can produce the jobs and opportunities that our country needs to grow.”